Synth-funk band Midnight Star will end a day of soul, R&B and funk on the Chevy Court stage at the Great New York State Fair as headlining band for the annual Syracuse JAMS FunkFest Saturday, September 3. The band rode to fame on the back of hits such as “Freak-A-Zoid” and “Operator.” FunkFest, featuring local and national groups throughout the day, is produced in partnership with Syracuse Joined Artists, Musicians and Singers, Inc. Midnight Star’s concert will take place at approximately 8:30 p.m. The day’s other performers will be announced at a later date.
State Fair interim Director Sean Hennessey said, “We work hard at the Fair to create the most diverse lineup possible and our partnership with Syracuse JAMS is an important part of that effort. Great bands like Midnight Star not only get us up and dancing but they also show young men and women that there is a pathway for them in music.”
Syracuse JAMS President Reggie Siegler said, “The Funk Fest provides an opportunity for local and regional bands to showcase their talents on a large-scale professional platform while opening for national recording artists. It fills a void for diverse communities to enjoy age and culturally specific entertainment attracting many to see themselves represented at the Fair.”
Syracuse JAMS describes its mission as building “pathways to the creative economy for artists who have been traditionally not included by hiring their services and by connecting them to other economic opportunities.”
All concerts in the Chevrolet Music Series are free with Fair admission. Concerts at the Fair are sponsored by Chevrolet.
Chevrolet Music Festival concerts announced to date include:
- Jimmie Allen, 6 p.m. August 24, Chevy Court stage
- Chevelle, 8 p.m. August 24, Chevy Park stage
- Great White, 6 p.m. August 25, Chevy Court stage
- The Art of Rap featuring Ice-T, 8 p.m. August 25, Chevy Park stage
- Niko Moon, 6 p.m. August 26, Chevy Court stage
- TLC, 8 p.m. August 26, Chevy Park stage
- Tesla, 6 p.m. August 27, Chevy Court stage
- Foreigner, 8 p.m. August 28, Chevy Park stage
- Boyz II Men, 8 p.m. August 29, Chevy Park stage
- Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, 1 p.m. August 30, Chevy Court stage
- Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, 6 p.m. August 30, Chevy Court stage
- Boy George & Culture Club, 8 p.m. August 30, Chevy Park stage
- 38 Special, 6 p.m. August 31, Chevy Court stage
- Nelly, 8 p.m. August 31, Chevy Park stage
- Alex Miller, 1 p.m. September 1, Chevy Court stage
- Riley Green, 8 p.m. September 1, Chevy Park stage
- Tai Verdes, 1 p.m. September 2, Chevy Court stage
- Gin Blossoms, 6 p.m. September 2, Chevy Court stage
- 24KGoldn, 8 p.m. September 2, Chevy Park stage
- COIN, 2 p.m. September 3, Chevy Park stage
- Dropkick Murphys, 8 p.m. September 3, Chevy Park stage
- City Girls, 8 p.m. September 4, Chevy Park stage
- Resurrection, a Journey Tribute Band, 1 p.m., Chevy Park stage
- Night Ranger, 4 p.m. September 5, Chevy Court stage
Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. The 2022 Fair begins Wednesday, August 24, and continues through Monday, September 5.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Guests are invited to see photos from the Fair on Flickr and ideas are always welcome. New Yorkers are encouraged to send suggestions via email to statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.
